Ancient terracotta dragons, phoenix statues and ceramic urns unearthed from a royal compound accidentally discovered where Vietnam's new parliament was being built were put on display for the first time on Tuesday.

In its first international briefing at the site, the Ministry of Information and Culture displayed some of the estimated two million items that have been uncovered since excavation began in December 2002 in the capital Hanoi.

The discovery provided a glimpse into the lives of nobility in Hoang Thanh, or the royal city, that was part of a sixth century town later renamed Thang Long or "ascending dragon."

Deep wells, ornate pavilions and bases for mighty pillars were found along with the more mundane rubbish dumps and tiled drains. Some gold jewelry, decorated swords and a cannon were also retrieved along with skeletal remains from a later period.

Construction on the National Assembly building was halted after workers stumbled upon the items -- some of which date from the seventh century. Experts have determined the site is layered with antiquities from a number of dynasties, including the Le, Ly, Tran and Nguyen.

The discoveries "increase our pride in the nation," Minister of Culture and Information Pham Quang Nghi told reporters and embassy representatives Tuesday.

He was speaking behind two long tables displaying items such as the head of a phoenix, writhing dragons on leaf-shaped ornamental roof tiles and ceramic bowls glazed with flowers and other designs.

DRAGON MOTIF

The dragon motif, also popular in China as representative the emperor, may reflect the ancient capital's name.

Legend says that in 1010 when King Ly Cong Uan moved the citadel to the current site of Hanoi he saw a dragon ascending to the clouds, and thus named his capital Thang Long.

Experts say the tally of items could go much higher than the estimated two million once work is finished in three or four months.

Access to the site has been strictly controlled, with foreign media not permitted to visit. Its total area, located near revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, is 430,400 square feet.

Slides showed nine skeletons discovered in graves. Two were children aged eight or nine, one was a woman estimated to be from the 19th century with three bowls placed around her head, and several others appeared to have met violent ends.

Four skeletons were discovered in one grave, with one having its hands tied behind and fragments of bullets with the bones. They were estimated to be from the 18th or 19th century.

At its peak, up to 1,600 workers were working on the site, said Tong Trung Tin, an academic expert and head of the excavation.

He said Vietnam had not yet asked for foreign help on the huge find. Among the discoveries are bowls from China and Japan.

The location of the new parliament hall has yet to be decided, but the ruling Politburo has said the national conference building that was to be built on the excavation site will be put on the outskirts of the city.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Lifestyle News
+Actions needed on AIDS; Clinton adds weight ( 2003-11-10) +Chinese embassy in Burundi hit by mortar shell ( 2003-11-11) +Official's death at golf course raises graft issue ( 2003-11-11) +Mother's mission gives others hope ( 2003-11-10) +China sows seeds for diplomatic `harvest' ( 2003-11-10)		+Vietnam unveils ancient artifacts from excavation ( 2003-11-11) +... Are women necessary? ( 2003-11-11) +South China province invests heavily to protect history on stones ( 2003-11-11) +Tibetan antelope has rival ( 2003-11-11) +'Nanosprings' may help detect cancer ( 2003-11-11)